# Get out of my lane! The biggest road-rage triggers **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [May 23, 2014, 10:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/get-out-of-my-lane-the-biggest-road-rage-triggers/689132 "2014-05-23T22:43:14Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![TonySinclair](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/49beb7/32.png) [@TonySinclair](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TonySinclair)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2014, 6:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/get-out-of-my-lane-the-biggest-road-rage-triggers/689132/61 "2014-05-27T06:02:35Z")
> [@Patch](#): > > Traffic flows more efficiently if traffic uses both lanes up to the merge, rather than merging into a single lane early. No, it doesn’t. If people line up in order in the exit lane, you’ll only have one slow lane, and even that will move faster without people trying to break into it. If they wait until the last minute, you’ll have at least two slow lanes, and you’ll block a lot of people who don’t even want to get into the exit lane. ---
**Author:** ![kanicbird](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/5f8ce5/32.png) [@kanicbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kanicbird)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2014, 12:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/get-out-of-my-lane-the-biggest-road-rage-triggers/689132/62 "2014-05-27T12:32:30Z")
> [@Voyager](#): > > Leaving massive space in front you in this situation just makes the road less efficient and encourages random lane switchers, I don’t believe this is true, leaving little room causes traffic shock waves, a effect that sends waves of slow and fast traffic surges. Leaving room allows the cars to ‘absorb’ speed changes better and eases traffic flow through congestion. It also permits smoother lane changes with less ‘shock’ to the entering lane. What the bumper to bumper typical flow is is people trying to hinder others from getting ‘ahead’ and by doing so everyone gets there later. ---
**Author:** ![kanicbird](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/5f8ce5/32.png) [@kanicbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kanicbird)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2014, 12:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/get-out-of-my-lane-the-biggest-road-rage-triggers/689132/63 "2014-05-27T12:34:19Z")
> [@TonySinclair](#): > > No, it doesn’t. If people line up in order in the exit lane, you’ll only have one slow lane, and even that will move faster without people trying to break into it. If they wait until the last minute, you’ll have at least two slow lanes, and you’ll block a lot of people who don’t even want to get into the exit lane. That is a very specific instance you post of. Many 2 into 1 merges don’t fall into this, but yes there are instances where it would be ‘nicer’ to let the thru traffic go thru. ---
**Author:** ![somepumpkin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/7feea3/32.png) [@somepumpkin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/somepumpkin)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2014, 12:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/get-out-of-my-lane-the-biggest-road-rage-triggers/689132/64 "2014-05-27T12:57:15Z")
Why would you ever hold anyone up? If you can pull over, or even off the 2-lane road (safely), why wouldn’t you? That solves both drivers’ problems; you get the driver out of your rearview, and the faster driver gets to proceed at their own pace. Haven’t you ever been the faster car, being held-up by someone who wants to drive slowly? It’s just courtesy. ---
**Author:** ![bahimes](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e36b37/32.png) [@bahimes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bahimes)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2014, 1:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/get-out-of-my-lane-the-biggest-road-rage-triggers/689132/65 "2014-05-27T13:29:04Z")
> [@River\_Hippie](#): > > This happens to me every once in a while and pegs my rage meter. I’m driving on a divided highway, two lanes each direction. I’m in the left lane having passed some slower traffic, I notice cars coming up behind me (in the left lane) wanting to go faster than I’m willing to go so I check the the right lane to make sure I have room and signal that I’m changing lanes. As soon as I hit the signal the car in the right lane that I’ve just passed guns it to prevent me from getting in front of them. It’s almost always a junker with noisy exhaust so you can really hear them accelerating. Really? You were happily driving 65 and content to let me pass in the other lane but seeing my signal suddenly makes you decide you’d really rather drive 80? Took me about 5 minutes on the belt around Indianapolis to learn NOT to indicate my intentions. Guaranteed your results. ---
**Author:** ![stpauler](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9d8465/32.png) [@stpauler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/stpauler)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2014, 1:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/get-out-of-my-lane-the-biggest-road-rage-triggers/689132/66 "2014-05-27T13:32:34Z")
> [@somepumpkin](#): > > Why would you ever hold anyone up? If you can pull over, or even off the 2-lane road (safely), why wouldn’t you? That solves both drivers’ problems; you get the driver out of your rearview, and the faster driver gets to proceed at their own pace. > > Haven’t you ever been the faster car, being held-up by someone who wants to drive slowly? > > It’s just courtesy. Whenever I visit the UP of Michigan, I see this and am really impressed. Some people up there are just slow drivers and they are alert enough to recognize if someone is going to come up on them faster than they’re going. IMO, if it’s safe to get over and let someone pass, I will do it. ---
**Author:** ![AnthonyElite](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/b487fb/32.png) [@AnthonyElite](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AnthonyElite)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2014, 1:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/get-out-of-my-lane-the-biggest-road-rage-triggers/689132/67 "2014-05-27T13:35:34Z")
> [@DCnDC](#): > > A slight, but enraging twist on that: > > The Cut-Off Passer: I’m in the passing lane, coming up on a few slower cars to the right of me, who have been in that formation for miles and miles. Just before I get there, one of the following cars decides _that’s_ the moment they need to pass. Seriously? You seemed perfectly happy with where you were for the last 5 miles, when suddenly you decide you need to get by these people, AND you need to do it RIGHT NOW as opposed to waiting 5 seconds for me to blast by all of you?! Actually, I’m that guy, and here is what happens. I am going on a 4-5 hour drive, and am observing the 65mph speed limit. I am engaging cruise control at 65mph because I don’t feel like constantly changing. When I get to 65 feet behind the car in front of me, doing 64 perhaps, I get into the left lane to pass them. If you come up behind me doing 70mph you and have a problem it is exactly that; your problem. I have a right to pass slower moving vehicles at a safe speed and not break the law. Speed kills and it’s assholes that think they are the exception to the rule that ultimately get people killed. Just do the posted speed. ---
**Author:** ![somepumpkin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/7feea3/32.png) [@somepumpkin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/somepumpkin)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2014, 2:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/get-out-of-my-lane-the-biggest-road-rage-triggers/689132/68 "2014-05-27T14:01:41Z")
> [@AnthonyElite](#): > > Actually, I’m that guy, and here is what happens. I am going on a 4-5 hour drive, and am observing the 65mph speed limit. I am engaging cruise control at 65mph because I don’t feel like constantly changing. When I get to 65 feet behind the car in front of me, doing 64 perhaps, I get into the left lane to pass them. If you come up behind me doing 70mph you and have a problem it is exactly that; your problem. I have a right to pass slower moving vehicles at a safe speed and not break the law. Speed kills and it’s assholes that think they are the exception to the rule that ultimately get people killed. Just do the posted speed. Do you plan to, after passing safely and allowing plenty of room, get back out of the left lane and let the faster \*asshole \*(as you called them) pass? If you still move out of their way when you’re past, well okay. But if you’re bumping your cruise down to be a dick, then you’re just a dick. Again, the faster drivers are only assholes in your mind. They really would barely notice or interact with you if you’d stay out of their way. And if you actually accommodate them (safely) to allow them to pass, you’ll learn that they can actually be kind and friendly folks. They simply WANT TO DRIVE FASTER than you. ---
**Author:** ![DCnDC](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dcndc/32/2842_2.png) [@DCnDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DCnDC)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2014, 2:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/get-out-of-my-lane-the-biggest-road-rage-triggers/689132/69 "2014-05-27T14:08:02Z")
> [@AnthonyElite](#): > > When I get to 65 feet behind the car in front of me, doing 64 perhaps, I get into the left lane to pass them. If you come up behind me doing 70mph you and have a problem it is exactly that; your problem. I have a right to pass slower moving vehicles at a safe speed and not break the law. Speed kills and it’s assholes that think they are the exception to the rule that ultimately get people killed. Bullshit. Let’s take the sanctimonious speed limit stuff out. You’re following a car on the highway at 55 mph for many miles. I come up on your left going exactly the posted 65 mph speed limit. Just then you decide that you now need to pass the car in front of you, and jump out in front of me _just as I’m about to pass you_, causing me to slam on my brakes to avoid colliding with you and possibly taking out all 3 vehicles. That _ **is** _ your problem. ---
**Author:** ![AnthonyElite](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/b487fb/32.png) [@AnthonyElite](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AnthonyElite)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2014, 2:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/get-out-of-my-lane-the-biggest-road-rage-triggers/689132/70 "2014-05-27T14:50:23Z")
> [@somepumpkin](#): > > Do you plan to, after passing safely and allowing plenty of room, get back out of the left lane and let the faster \*asshole \*(as you called them) pass? If you still move out of their way when you’re past, well okay. But if you’re bumping your cruise down to be a dick, then you’re just a dick. > > Again, the faster drivers are only assholes in your mind. They really would barely notice or interact with you if you’d stay out of their way. And if you actually accommodate them (safely) to allow them to pass, you’ll learn that they can actually be kind and friendly folks. They simply WANT TO DRIVE FASTER than you. They aren’t just assholes “in my mind”. They are surpassing a speed limit imposed by a group of engineers that decided the safest speed that could be efficiently traveled. If it was just the speeder alone on the road, I am all for them taking risks with their own lives. HOWEVER they are taking risks with other peoples’ lives by driving faster, and all for the reward of reaching their destination moments earlier. No one’s life is going to be changed by arriving 10 minutes early as dramatically as it would be changed by a 3-car pileup. And yes, as soon as I am a safe distance in front of the car I passed, I get into the right lane. I want to maintain speed with a constant preference for the right lane. > [@DCnDC](#): > > Bullshit. > > Let’s take the sanctimonious speed limit stuff out. > > You’re following a car on the highway at 55 mph for many miles. I come up on your left going exactly the posted 65 mph speed limit. Just then you decide that you now need to pass the car in front of you, and jump out in front of me _just as I’m about to pass you_, causing me to slam on my brakes to avoid colliding with you and possibly taking out all 3 vehicles. > > That _ **is** _ your problem. No, not “just then”. It happens when I arrive at the appropriate distance behind the vehicle in front of me. Why should I have to slow down and wait to pass because you can’t travel at the speed limit? And no, I won’t take the speed limit out of it, it is a factor. But even if we do, I am ahead of you currently, and assuming I don’t cut you off (which would make ME an asshole), and I switch lanes with plenty of distance between myself and the upcoming speeder, why should I forgo my right to pass a slower traveling vehicle simply because the speeder wants to go even faster? ---
**Author:** ![Count\_Blucher](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/c5a1d2/32.png) [@Count\_Blucher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Count_Blucher)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2014, 2:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/get-out-of-my-lane-the-biggest-road-rage-triggers/689132/71 "2014-05-27T14:53:38Z")
> [@DCnDC](#): > > That _ **is** _ your problem. In my state, all collisions from behind are the driver from behind’s fault. Maybe your state is different. If you are in an accident in my state speeding up to “blast past” anyone and you hit them from behind, have fun selling your point to the cop ticketing you for speeding and reckless driving. You can send your dash-cam footage to “Jackass”, because it won’t get you out of your tickets. Oh, and Allstate is going to Love you too. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![DCnDC](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dcndc/32/2842_2.png) [@DCnDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DCnDC)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2014, 3:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/get-out-of-my-lane-the-biggest-road-rage-triggers/689132/72 "2014-05-27T15:02:37Z")
> [@AnthonyElite](#): > > and assuming I don’t cut you off (which would make ME an asshole) That is who I am talking about. ---
**Author:** ![AnthonyElite](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/b487fb/32.png) [@AnthonyElite](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AnthonyElite)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2014, 3:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/get-out-of-my-lane-the-biggest-road-rage-triggers/689132/73 "2014-05-27T15:10:29Z")
Okay, then it may just be a matter of definition. If v is 65 mph and I switch lanes when you are 65 feet back, is that “cutting you off”? As a part of that, my gripe is also that when I pass someone doing 63 and I’m doing 65, someone gets on my bumper, wanting me to pass faster. All that does is increase the risk of an accident exponentially, it doesn’t motivate me to move faster because speed kills. ---
**Author:** ![somepumpkin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/7feea3/32.png) [@somepumpkin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/somepumpkin)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2014, 3:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/get-out-of-my-lane-the-biggest-road-rage-triggers/689132/74 "2014-05-27T15:27:50Z")
> [@AnthonyElite](#): > > As a part of that, my gripe is also that when I pass someone doing 63 and I’m doing 65, someone gets on my bumper, wanting me to pass faster. All that does is increase the risk of an accident exponentially, it doesn’t motivate me to move faster because speed kills. If safety is what you’re worried about, then get on by the one you’re passing. It’s very unsafe to camp-out next to them for any length of time (what if one of you had a blowout? Perhaps there’s debris that needs to be avoided). Push the pedal, get by, and get back in the lane. It’s not that difficult. ---
**Author:** ![billfish678](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7bcc69/32.png) [@billfish678](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/billfish678)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2014, 3:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/get-out-of-my-lane-the-biggest-road-rage-triggers/689132/75 "2014-05-27T15:31:12Z")
I got a ticket for going a couple miles of over the speed limit to pass a one going a couple under. Just sayin. ---
**Author:** ![AnthonyElite](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/b487fb/32.png) [@AnthonyElite](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AnthonyElite)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2014, 3:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/get-out-of-my-lane-the-biggest-road-rage-triggers/689132/76 "2014-05-27T15:31:13Z")
> [@somepumpkin](#): > > If safety is what you’re worried about, then get on by the one you’re passing. It’s very unsafe to camp-out next to them for any length of time (what if one of you had a blowout? Perhaps there’s debris that needs to be avoided). Push the pedal, get by, and get back in the lane. It’s not that difficult. And what if I did have a blowout? The faster I am going the more dangerous a blowout is. SPEED is the danger in driving. It is necessary, but the most deadly factor. If I hurry up to pass and have a blowout, the additional speed to get in front of the person would put me moving diagonally in front of them when my tire blows - just as bad and possibly worse! ---
**Author:** ![somepumpkin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/7feea3/32.png) [@somepumpkin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/somepumpkin)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2014, 3:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/get-out-of-my-lane-the-biggest-road-rage-triggers/689132/77 "2014-05-27T15:36:47Z")
> [@AnthonyElite](#): > > They aren’t just assholes “in my mind”. They are surpassing a speed limit imposed by a group of engineers that decided the safest speed that could be efficiently traveled. If it was just the speeder alone on the road, I am all for them taking risks with their own lives. HOWEVER they are taking risks with other peoples’ lives by driving faster, and all for the reward of reaching their destination moments earlier. No one’s life is going to be changed by arriving 10 minutes early as dramatically as it would be changed by a 3-car pileup. And yes, as soon as I am a safe distance in front of the car I passed, I get into the right lane. I want to maintain speed with a constant preference for the right lane. Dude, you really should find other things to worry about if you’re painting anyone who has a different lifestyle than you as an asshole. They just want to drive a different speed than you do… that’s all. I’d say that if someone is holding up traffic, then they are also creating a safety hazard. Let’s all just realize that people drive at different speeds than others, and let’s accommodate them. Trying to police the event is unsafe and assholish. ---
**Author:** ![stpauler](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9d8465/32.png) [@stpauler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/stpauler)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2014, 3:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/get-out-of-my-lane-the-biggest-road-rage-triggers/689132/78 "2014-05-27T15:38:02Z")
> [@AnthonyElite](#): > > As a part of that, my gripe is also that when I pass someone doing 63 and I’m doing 65, someone gets on my bumper, wanting me to pass faster. All that does is increase the risk of an accident exponentially, it doesn’t motivate me to move faster because speed kills. You keep saying “because speed kills”. If such is the case, wouldn’t it behoove you to go at a least murderous speed, such as reducing your accelerator to go 63 instead of passing? ---
**Author:** ![somepumpkin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/7feea3/32.png) [@somepumpkin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/somepumpkin)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2014, 3:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/get-out-of-my-lane-the-biggest-road-rage-triggers/689132/79 "2014-05-27T15:39:42Z")
> [@AnthonyElite](#): > > And what if I did have a blowout? The faster I am going the more dangerous a blowout is. SPEED is the danger in driving. It is necessary, but the most deadly factor. If I hurry up to pass and have a blowout, the additional speed to get in front of the person would put me moving diagonally in front of them when my tire blows - just as bad and possibly worse! You’re already at a lightning fast 65… what more damage is 70mph going to do to you? Also, having the blowout alone and away from anyone else would be the safer choice, so why wouldn’t you choose to limit your time riding next to them? ---
**Author:** ![AnthonyElite](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/b487fb/32.png) [@AnthonyElite](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AnthonyElite)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2014, 3:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/get-out-of-my-lane-the-biggest-road-rage-triggers/689132/80 "2014-05-27T15:44:53Z")
> [@somepumpkin](#): > > Dude, you really should find other things to worry about if you’re painting anyone who has a different lifestyle than you as an asshole. They just want to drive a different speed than you do… that’s all. I’d say that if someone is holding up traffic, then they are also creating a safety hazard. Let’s all just realize that people drive at different speeds than others, and let’s accommodate them. Trying to police the event is unsafe and assholish. So if I choose to drink and drive, and put others’ safety into my hands, is that just a life choice? Speeding around is a dick move. Accept it [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/get-out-of-my-lane-the-biggest-road-rage-triggers/689132.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/get-out-of-my-lane-the-biggest-road-rage-triggers/689132.md?page=5)